1967 Isle of Man TT

The 1967 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is generally acknowledged to be one of the most dramatic TT races of all time. [http://www.isle-of-man.ws/isle_of_man_tt.php (retrieved 20 August 2006)] [http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/hofbiopage.asp?id=187 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum (retrieved 20 August 2006)] Mike Hailwood, on the mighty but evil handling, four-cylinder Honda, dueled with Giacomo Agostini on the slightly slower but easier to handle MV Agusta.

The Italian broke Hailwood's lap record on the first lap at a speed of 108.38 mph. Hailwood responded with a second lap at 108.77 mph but Agostini still led by 8.6 seconds. At the half-way pit stop of the 6 lap race, Hailwood had cut Agostini's lead to a couple of seconds but he then lost time battering the twist grip back into place with a hammer. Agostini's lead was back up to 11.6 seconds. It was a battle royal as Hailwood, riding at or over the limit, mercilessly pursued the Italian rider. By the 5th lap, Hailwood had made up the difference and the riders appeared to be in a dead heat. The closest of finishes appeared to be in the cards.

Then disaster struck Agostini on the Mountain section when his chain broke at the Windy Corner. He was able to coast back to the pits but, the sprocket was too far gone to make replacement of the chain possible. Hailwood went on to win at a record 105.62 mph. His lap record stood for eight years and was only beaten on a much improved circuit by a bike with an engine half as big again - a 750cc Kawasaki.

1967 Isle of Man Production 750 cc TT final standings

10 June 1967 - 3 Laps (113.00 Miles) Mountain Course.

1967 Isle of Man Sidecar TT final standings

12 June 1967 - 3 Laps (113.00 Miles) Mountain Course.

1967 Isle of Man Junior TT 350cc final standings

14 June 1967 - 6 Laps (226.38 Miles) Mountain Course.

ources

External links

* [http://www.iomtt.com/Home/TTDatabase/races.aspx?meet_code=TT67 Detailed race results]
* [http://www.iommgp.com/tour/map.shtml Mountain Course map]